Page 110 of Love in the Wild

At least he was on the path. He’d left his home, but not in the way the disciples did. He’d given up a bunch of his old sins, and he was beginning to see right and wrong in a clearer light. Still, everything he’d done seemed to be holding Gage back from reaching the unfiltered happiness some of these people carried.

Bro. Higgins gestured to the kids playing in the dirt by one of the tables. “This is the next generation. We’re raising the leaders of tomorrow, and how can they lead the world to Christ if they don’t know Him? It’s our job to teach them.”

The preacher lifted his chin and scanned the crowd. “So, I’ll ask again. Are you ready to give up your old life and the sins that weigh you down? Are you ready to start new and follow Jesus? He offers forgiveness for all sins, and once you belong to Him, He keeps no record of wrongs.”

Gage glanced down at Hadley. She had a peace about her that led everyone to believe she’d lived a happy life. No one could look at her and see the marks her dad and other men had left on her heart.

Was that because she’d gained freedom like what Bro. Higgins was talking about? Was that the evidence of God’s forgiveness?

Bro. Higgins scanned the quiet group of people in front of him. “Repent and be saved. That’s step one. It’s the way to hope. It’s the beginning and the end. Start a new life and leave your old one behind. Turn to Jesus.” The preacher pointed at Grady. “Grady, would you pray for us?”

Everyone bowed their heads, but Gage couldn’t focus on the words. A dull roar filled his ears, and a churning unease stirred in his gut. The skin on the back of his neck tingled as he squeezed his eyes closed.

Hadley shifted beside him, and Gage looked up. The prayer was over, but he hadn’t heard the closing.

“I need to help put away the food,” Hadley said as she stretched her arms above her head.

Gage opened his mouth to offer his help, but Mr. Chambers stepped up beside him and slapped a hand on his shoulder.

“Can I borrow you for a minute?” he asked.

Gage turned back to Hadley, who smiled up at him. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Sure.” She stretched up to press a kiss to his cheek before walking off.

Gage looked at Mr. Chambers. “What can I do for you?”

The older man jerked his head. “Walk with me.”

Gage fell into step beside Mr. Chambers and looked back toward the tent area. People were already clearing tables and folding up chairs.

“You listening?” Mr. Chambers asked.

“I’m sorry. Did you say something?”

“No. Are you listening? Did you learn anything today?”

Brushing his hand over his jaw, Gage thought over the last few hours. These people actually practiced what they preached. It was a contrast to the hypocrisy he’d always associated with the church.

“I’m trying.”

“Try harder. Hadley deserves a good man. You can be that man if you decide you’re up to the task.”

Gage nodded. The man was right. He needed to step it up. “I don’t think I’ve thanked you yet, but I do appreciate all you’re doing for me. I didn’t think I was salvageable until I met you and Hadley. My life didn’t have a purpose, and I’m not sure I’ve really found it yet. I’m starting to think I’m a work in progress instead of a failure.”

“Don’t give up. The Lord will let you know when it’s time.”

Gage looked over his shoulder as they left the people behind. “Where are we going?”

“Fishing,” Mr. Chambers said.

“But I need to help Hadley.”

“You need to help yourself first. Trust me, that woman has things covered.”

Mr. Chambers was right. Hadley was a rockstar when it came to handling whatever life threw at her. She was strong and steady like the Big Horn Mountains surrounding the ranch.

Gage’s phone rang, and he pulled it from his pocket. Every muscle in his body froze when he saw the name on the screen.

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